Saturday, 28 May 2016

Tony Joe White - Rain Crow


Rating: 5/5

Review:
A terrific album



This is another terrific album from Tony Joe White.  I loved Hoodoo, and this carries on in exactly the same vein – indeed the opener, Hoochie Woman, bears more than a passing musical resemblance to The Gift – which is absolutely fine by me.  It's what Tony Joe does, and no-one does it like him.

It's probably not worth going on at length because if you know TJW, you'll know what you're getting here.  Swamp blues at its best, with a slightly laid-back sound but a rock-solid beat, insistent bass, mixed-back guitar on lower stings and great vocals which sound as if Tony Joe has just got out of bed the day after a long, long evening of moonshine and music.  I find it irresistible, particularly because his lyrics remain excellent.  He tells a fine story and can create a vivid, almost mystical atmosphere in a few words – like in the opening lines of the title track:
"Was wondrin' 'bout the shadow that keeps crossin' your path;
Don't look nothin' like you, but I'm afraid to ask…"
Brilliant.

Fine music, great performances and excellent production – what more could you want?  If you like this genre, don't hesitate.  This is a bit of class.

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